Nightlife Itinerary

Explore New Orleans' nightlife scene

Late Night Itinerary

If you’re a night owl, New Orleans is your town. From live music, tons of bars, and a cocktail culture like no other, there's something for everyone here.

Rebecca Todd

Barrel Proof

The French Quarter

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Bourbon Street and its balconies aren’t the only highlights of this oldest of New Orleans neighborhoods.

Pre-dinner drinks – Try Bar Tonique or Meauxbar on Rampart Street for an off-the-beaten-path French Quarter find for craft cocktails and eclectic ambiance. The Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar is also a delight for a specialty cocktail on a ever-so-slowly moving merry-go-round bar.

Late-night food and drink – You’ll find plenty of places for late night grub and drinks including St. Lawrence for craft daiquiris and Erin Rose Bar for drink specials from midnight to 4 a.m., killer po-Boys, and famous frozen Irish coffee. Make your endnote a sweet one at Café du Monde for beignets 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Paul Broussard

Dishcrawl- Bacchanal

The Arts/Warehouse District

Pre-dinner art stroll – Before making the late-night scene, wander galleries in the neighborhood with a stroll on Julia Street.

After-dinner drinks – For a cozy ambiance and extensive wine list, check out NOSH – short for New Orleans Social Club, where live jazz and craft cocktails rule. And The Rusty Nail is the perfect dive-bar stop featuring craft beers and an extensive scotch menu.

Late night activities – Check the schedules at music venues like Howlin’ Wolf and Republic, which bring legendary and up-and-coming artists to the stage.

Rebecca Todd

Carousel Bar

Uptown/Garden District

The Garden District is much more than daytime walking tours and beautiful neighborhood architecture. Here’s your go-to guide to after hours in uptown New Orleans.

Dinner Head to Jacques-Imo's Cafe for authentic Cajun cuisine and the chance to secure a reservation in the two-top pickup truck parked outside. Or grab small plates and craft cocktails at Bouligny Tavern on Magazine Street.

Drinks – Mid-City has no shortage of great hangout spots. Choose from hundreds of beers served on an outdoor deck at Bayou Beer Garden. Vino lovers will adore Bayou Wine Garden next door. And if you really want the local experience, unwind over drinks and barbecue at Twelve Mile Limit, known for its budget-price craft cocktails.

The Faubourg Marigny and Bywater is thriving with up-and-coming restaurants and nightlife that offer a whole new side the New Orleans experience.

Dinner and drinks – The Marigny and Bywater neighborhood are home to many delicious restaurants. Local favorites include The Franklin, Mariza and Bacchanal.

Late-night art – At the St. Claude Avenue Art Garage, you can find a wide range of artisans showcasing their creations Thursday through Saturdays until 1 a.m.

Late-night music – A kaleidoscope of music clubs line Frenchmen Street, with brass bands on the street corners setting a syncopated beat. Start off with jazz at Snug Harbor, (two ticketed shows nightly) then grab a spot at d.b.a.,The Spotted Cat, and/or Blue Nile. Music goes into the wee hours and the people watching is excellent.